Charlotte, Michigan - 48813

Photos courtesy of:
Ken Huisjen

Charlotte is the county seat for Eaton County. It is located just south of the center of the county, on the borders of Eaton and Carmel Townships, at the junction of M-50, M-79 and Interstate 69/US-27. It has a diverse economy centered around an industrial base that includes aluminum products, plastics and auto-related products. There are also many small businesses and stores.

Charlotte was first settled in 1832 by George Barnes, who purchased land from the government at the location where the city now stands. He sold it to New York City investor, Edmond Bostwick, in 1835. Bostwick then broke up his parcel and sold it to three other investors: H. I. Lawerence, Townsend Harris and Francis Cochran. Together, the four developed the city, naming it after Bostwick’s wife. Back then, it was also known unofficially as Eaton Centre and Carmel. It was eventually organized officially as a village in 1868. Later, it reorganized as a city in 1871.